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One of the oldest institutions of its kind in western Pennsylvania is located in the immediate Beaver Falls vicinity. Dedicated to the recreation and enjoyment of the entire family, the Beaver Valley Country Club, located in Patterson Heights, was founded in 1898. William A. McCool of Beaver Falls, who had been playing golf in Florida during previous years, was the founder. He succeeded in interesting Harry C. Patter son, V. L. Bradford, Thomas L. Kirk and E.T. Corbus in building a golf course. Mr. Patterson held the title to some land in Patterson Heights and the course was constructed on the site presently occupied by the Beaver Valley Country Club.
A clubhouse was erected in 1902 at a point near the present No. 7 green. In 1916 it was destroyed by fire.
The homestead of the late L.S. Townsend was purchased and remodeled as the new club house. Additions were made to the locker room in 1937.
During its lifetime, the golf course has been reconstructed three times. Currently nine additional holes are being readied for play in 1960. When the new nine holes are completed, membership is expected to increase from its present number of 325 families.
A long succession of prominent civic leaders have held the office of club president. It was during the regime of Thomas Wagner in 1957 that the decision was made to modernize the clubhouse and to enlarge the present nine holes into an 18-hole championship length course. Earlier, during the term of F.R. Dickenson and John Ray the board of directors authorized the planning for such work.
The clubhouse renovation was completed in 1958, and is presently one of the most modern in the state. It is completely air conditioned with the latest in modern furnishings. A beautiful lounge occupy the first floor, with completely equipped locker rooms for men and women on the basement level. The current president, D.C. Fabiani, who served as vice-president during the period of renovation, Ted Brooks and Harold Littell are credited with supervising the planning and furnishing of the new clubhouse. Jack Butler heads the new nine hole building committee.
First Pro
The first golf professional was hired in 1904. He was Charles Rowe, who served for 16 years. The present golf professional, Carmen Clemens, has served at the country club for 20 years. Widely known, Mr. Clemens has contributed much to the professional reputation of the club.
George Ewing was the first greens keeper. It is not known exactly when he started. In 1932, upon his death, his son, Earl, succeeded him and is still employed in that capacity.
Lynn Bauter is presently serving as manager, a position he has held for six years.
The club is known for its exceptional cuisine. The kitchen is supervised by Chef Dante Deccanini, whose previous service includes a term as private chef to Richard King Mellon and later as chef at the Rolling Rock Country Club.
The club's first president was William A. Myler, who served until 1921. Those who followed him are listed below:
1921-22, William C. McKinney; 1922-23, J.A. Atwood; 1923, William B. Todd; 1924-25, Herbert A. May; 1926-27, Theodore F. Smith; 1928-30, Dr. William C. Meanor; 1931, Joseph A. Doyle; 1931-32, R.B. McKee; 1933, Lloyd B. Rainey-, 1934-35, H.C. Weidnar, Sr.; 1936, Ed T. Causer; 1937-39, Dr. J.M. Jackson; 1939-40, Charles A. Capper; 1941-42, J.R. Patterson; 1943-46, N. Hamilton; 1948-50, I.R. Brown; 1950-51, P.J. Davidson; 1952-53, John D. Ray; 1954, F.R. Dickenson; 1955-56, H.J. Dunsmire and 1957-58, T.P. Wagner; 1959, D.C. Fabiani.